Lusaka, 7 August 2026 — The Government of the Republic of Zambia today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office, formalising the handover of an office building for WHO’s use and fulfilling a long-standing commitment enshrined in the basic agreement signed between the two parties in 1964. The agreement commits the Government to provide suitable office accommodation for WHO’s operations in the country.
The signing ceremony, held at the Ministry of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, brought together senior government officials and WHO Country Office marking a significant milestone in the six decades-long partnership between the Government and WHO.
The commitment to provide WHO with a dedicated office space was reaffirmed by the President, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema during the 75th Session of the WHO Regional Committee for Africa (RC75) in August 2025, when he pledged the government to provide office space to WHO as per the obligations under the 1964 agreement.
This gesture comes at a critical time, as it will ease pressure on WHO’s operational costs amid a constrained global health financing landscape, allowing the Organisation to redirect resources to increase delivery of health services in the country.
Speaking during the event, the Permanent Secretary for Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Prof Albert Malama, PS – Ministry of Infrastructur